Canberra’s Most Exquisite Restaurants with Private Dining Rooms

The Boat House offers one of Canberra's premier dining experiences with reliable food and wine paired with unmatched views across Lake Burley Griffin. This Barton based restaurant is set on the absolute water-lapping edge of the lake in Grevillea Park, Barton (north-side), just a few minutes’ drive from the city. On top of the ample parking options, there are five different set menu options and two drinks packages to choose from for your event. 

In keeping with its international presence, The Meat & Wine Co Canberra has spared no expense in creating this spectacular steakhouse restaurant. The Meat & Wine Co brings South African flavour and game to Constitution Place in the Canberra CBD. Ideal for dining adventures of the corporate nature to something more romantic, the ambience is intimate and inviting. For a bespoke dining experience why not enquire about the private dining room facilities to create a memorable and impressive meeting. 

Relax on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin for a weekend brunch, or a romantic candle-lit dinner at Canberra's famed Waters Edge Restaurant in North Parkes. Nestled against the lapping lake, close to the National Portrait Gallery and at the foot of Capital Hill, the views on offer are as captivating as the experimental modern European-Australian menu. The luxurious and sophisticated interior creates an ambience of charm and character crafted through the buildings high ceilings, neutral tones and white linen tablecloths.  

Don't feel confused when you hit Canberra's Chinatown; head straight for Ruby Chinese. Opening their doors back in 1982, this Dickson icon has proven it knows a thing or two about authentic Cantonese cuisine, with an abundance of live seafood, hot pot, noodle and meats on offer. For larger groups there are also a number of elaborate banquet menus to share, best enjoyed in your own private dining room. Ruby Chinese is temporarily closed for renovations – please see website for more information. 

If good food and even better service is more your style, eating at Campbell's Asian-style bistro, Lanterne Rooms, is akin to being transported to a classy Penang residence. The restaurant is beautifully designed with dark wood beams, filmy curtains and coloured glass tiles. The decor prepares diners for the quality south-east Asian fusion food to come. The Malay-Indian dishes are impressively executed and the efficient service means guests aren't waiting long for the magic cuisine to be delivered. 

On the corner of the Melbourne Building in the CBD, Mezzalira is one of Canberra's favourite dining destinations. If you’re looking for a private dining room for your next event, their exclusive space is located discreetly at the back of the restaurant, accommodating up to 14 guests. And, to help you plan your function with ease, Mezzalira offers patrons a fixed price menu or an individual tasting menu that can be designed specifically for your event. 

For exclusive private dining and sensational food, look no further than The Cellar Room at Courgette Restaurant, which seats up to 10 guests. The European inspired menu comes with all the bells and whistles with foams and emulsions to deliver artistically presented dishes. With opulence in mind, Courgette serves up a range of set menus for its guests. Theres everything from an Express Lunch to a three-course a la carte or, for the more refined palates, a five-course degustation.  

As the name suggests, Black Fire is a unique dining experience located in the outer Canberra suburb of Braddon. Fire is the driving force in this popular Mediterranean restaurant with the meats, veggies and seafood all cooked with passion over the roaring open, wood fire oven or charcoal grill. Available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, European influences are behind many of the dishes like the smoked pork empanada and halloumi salad. Private dining options are also available for a more intimate dining experience. 

Set in between City Hill and Acton Beach is a dining destination that compares to no other. Welcome to Capitol Bar & Grill. Operated by QT Canberra, Capitol revolutionises dining out thanks to their colourful modern Australian menu that’s brought to life by wood fired theatrics. Their menu is best described as mesmerising and their group dining offering thankfully features all of the crowd favourites. Don’t look past their impressive drinks list either. 

Luna Bar, housed in a heritage building, offers a dramatic yet intimate setting for evening drinks and dining. Open from Thursday to Sunday, it features a seasonal menu of modern Australian dishes with global flair, perfect for sharing. Signature cocktails, made with premium local and international spirits, elevate the experience. Whether for a romantic date or a night out with friends, Luna delivers charm, ambience, and a taste of something special. 

Neighbouring the Canberra Theatre, if casual and cool could put on a production together, Such and Such would be the act to see. The perfect spot for laidback lunches or the more discerning dinners, Such and Such serves up a sensational lineup for the more spontaneous of palates out there. And, with over 500 wines to pick from, there’s plenty of Australian and international drops to wash your dish down with. 

If you're after a place that serves wine on tap and pizzas straight from the wood fire oven, then you are going to want to head to Agostinis at the East Hotel in Kingston, Canberra. This trendy and modern Italian eatery is lively and full of character, mixing old-school Italian style with a lively and modern menu of classics. Most of the menu items are made from scratch in-house, adding to the high-quality of the dishes. Neon signs and hanging pots of ferns add to the relaxed, chic and effortlessly cool Canberra ambience. 

Chifley's Bar and Grill is set in Ben Chifley's former home, the refurbished and charming Kurrajong Hotel in Barton. With its leather chairs, elegant decor, warm interior and large windows overlooking the hotel gardens courtyard, it is really one of Canberra's loveliest venues. The menu is about perfectly grilled steak, chicken and seafood from some of the best producers on Australia's east coast, accompanied by your choice of seasonal vegetables with additional sides like duck fat potatoes and charred broccolini. Wander into the nostalgic bar and enjoy a tipple from some of the finest whisky merchants around the world.